Greater Worcester

Needing a way to get financing for Greater Worcester's startups and non-traditional borrowers, Timothy Murray at the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce dialed up one of his old contacts from when he was lieutenant governor, who just happened to be a little north of him in the county.

Worcester's restaurants – both the old and the new – have created a palpable buzz, with foodies and chefs from Boston and New York City taking notice. This food renaissance represents not only a big leap forward in branding for city, but it's also helping to spur further economic development with outside investments and an inevitable growth in visitors to the city.

Veteran bartender and beverage consultant Ryan Goodspeed has advised cruise ships, Fortune 500 companies, restaurants and others on their drink programs. Now, the Central Massachusetts native is back at home and has been tasked with amplifying the bar program at Sweet Kitchen & Bar on Shrewsbury Street.

As a further sign in the growing demand for Central Mass. real estate, more MetroWest and Boston companies are reaching out to local cultural institutions to provide employees with area benefits.

In December, Worcester law firm Bowditch & Dewey sold its building at 311 Main St. for $2.8 million to Cliff Rucker, who owns the Worcester Railers Hockey Club and is redeveloping properties around the city, including a hockey rink in the Canal District. The firm then signed an eight-year initial lease, with Rucker agreeing to make renovations.

The region's latest Movers & Shakers.

The owners of Crust Bakeshop in Worcester announced they have sold their downtown bakery to one of their employees for an undisclosed amount.

Greater Boston Commercial Properties of Northborough announced four leasing deals totaling more than 25,000 square feet and the procurement for a direct buyer of a 38,000 square foot building, all in MetroWest.

Girls Inc. and Quinsigamond Community College in Worcester are receiving a combined $15,000 in grants through MassDevelopment's AMP it up! program.

Worcester human services agency The Bridge of Central Massachusetts announced the election of two new Board members on Wednesday.